TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Councilor Linda Nishioka, Ward 2
SUBJECT:
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Motion from Councilor Linda Nishioka concerning the feasibility of a downtown ambassador program & integration with Clean, Safe, and Healthy Salem.
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
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MOTION:
I move that Council direct staff to evaluate a Downtown Ambassador Program and how it could integrate with our Clean, Safe, and Healthy Salem efforts, and return with options for a pilot program.
DISCUSSION:
1. Research and evaluate the feasibility of establishing a Downtown Ambassador Program to support Salem’s downtown and business districts, including:
- Program structure and governance (City-led, nonprofit, or partnership model)
- Scope of services (hospitality, safety presence, business support, light cleaning, and reporting)
- Estimated costs, funding options, and potential partnerships, including participation from the business community
2. Analyze how an Ambassador Program could integrate with and enhance existing City efforts, including:
- The Clean Team
- The Homeless Services Team (HST)
- Behavioral health and outreach services - REACH
- Coordination protocols for communication and escalation
3. Identify best practices and comparable cities, particularly those similar in size and structure to Salem, and summarize outcomes, performance metrics, and lessons learned
- Program outcomes and effectiveness
- Performance metrics used to evaluate success
- Lessons learned and implementation considerations
4. Evaluate anticipated impacts, including:
- Downtown safety perception and visitor experience
- Support for local businesses and economic activity
- Reduction in non-emergency calls for service
- Overall downtown cleanliness and livability
5. Provide options for a pilot program, including:
- Geographic focus areas (e.g., downtown core and key commercial corridors)
- Seasonal or phased implementation strategies
- Recommended performance measures and reporting framework
6. Return to Council with a report and recommendations, including implementation options and any required policy or budget considerations.
Summary:
This motion directs staff to evaluate whether a Downtown Ambassador Program could complement the City’s Clean, Safe, and Healthy Salem initiative by adding a visible, service-oriented presence in downtown and business districts. The intent is to explore a coordinated, layered approach that improves both perceptions and realities of conditions in Salem’s core areas.
Background:
The City of Salem has made recent investments in livability initiatives, including the Clean Team and the Homeless Services Team, to address cleanliness, safety, and outreach needs. Many cities have complemented similar efforts with Ambassador Programs that focus on hospitality, visibility, and business support. This motion seeks to determine whether such a program could enhance Salem’s current approach.
Fiscal Impact:
No immediate fiscal impact. Staff will return with cost estimates, funding options, and potential partnership opportunities.
Recommendation:
I recommend that the council adopt this motion.
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Attachments:
None.